Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister's Question Time from 25th March 1993.

PRIME MINISTER:

Social Security Offices (London)

Q7. Mr. Corbyn : To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to visit a London DSS office.

The Prime Minister : I have at present no plans to do so.

Hepatitis B

Dr. Marek : To ask the Prime Minister how many patients were recalled for screening for hepatitis B by the Staffordshire, Wrexham, Argyll and Ayr and North Middlesex hospitals following two surgeons having transmitted hepatitis B to one or more of their patients.

The Prime Minister : Approximately 1,780 patients have been contacted for screening by the hospitals concerned. The two hospitals in Scotland are in the Ayrshire and Arran health board's area.

Cabinet Meetings

Mr. Mackinlay : To ask the Prime Minister who presides at meetings of the Cabinet in the event of an incidental absence of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister : Cabinet meetings are not normally held in the absence of the Prime Minister. In the event of such a meeting being necessary, I would make arrangements in the light of the circumstances at the time.

Acting Prime Minister

Mr. Mackinlay : To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements are laid down as to who should act as Prime Minister in the period immediately following his being suddenly incapacitated; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister : There are no standing arrangements for this eventuality. The arrangements would depend on the circumstances.

Engagements

Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 25 March.

Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 25 March.

The Prime Minister : This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall be having further meetings later today.